Question:
How can you get over the post op depression?

Hi family, I hope someone out there can help me out. I am a mother of 3 kids, 6, 8 and 9 plus a husband. I have been feeling really out of sorts: lethargic, sad and just really feel I'm in the pits of life eventhough I'm 31/2 months out and have lost 60+ pounds. Can anyone give me words of wisdom or medication I can take to get over the hump? LOL    — Lorrie A. (posted on March 7, 2005)

March 7, 2005
I had the same problem and I am 3 months post op, my doctor prescribed Lexapro, I was feeling draged down, sad, you name it, the medication I took for 1 month helped me over my hump and got me to where I needed to be. This is a whole life change and it can be over whelming sometimes we need a small helping hand. Good Luck to you.
   — slpyeyed

March 7, 2005
You have to remember before the surgery we used food to cover our emotions. You can no longer use food because of the surgery. It is important that you reconize that there is a problem and that you seek help. I'm almost 2 years post op and from time to time I seek counselling when issues come up and I want to turn to food but can't. I work out those issues and go on my merry way. You may find that food hide issues for many years and now you need to lear how to coup with emotions (sad, happy, etc.). It sound simple but it isn't. It's going to take work. Look at the bigger picture here. Why do you think diets do not work? It isn't the diet itself its the emotion issues that come up once we start to lose weight. When we take away the food we have to deal with the emotions and that is the hardest part of life! I would also recommand you join a bypass support group so you can talk about isses as they come up. Very important. I wish you luck.
   — Linda R.

March 7, 2005
I too went through severe depression after surgery. I would recommend meeting with your psychiatrist if you have one or your PCP in order to have medication prescribed. I believe that depression happens with most post ops due to the fact that we can no longer turn to food for comfort. My depression lasted a good six months, but you will improve. Don't let this problem go for too long though. It is better to get it under control as soon as possible.
   — C. Burns

March 7, 2005

   — eaamc

March 8, 2005
depression is common after any surgery. your body has been thru a lot of trauma, anesthesia etc. This surgery adds in the component that you have also lost your coping mechanism of eating to feel better. I agree with the previous, exercise has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants in mild to moderate depression. It can't hurt and you will be physically healthier too. If it continues, or has been going on more than 2 weeks you really should see you primary care doctor.
   — **willow**

March 8, 2005
If you had high blood pressure or diabetes, would you not take medication? It's the same with depression. You are depressed so you need to get the proper medication. There is no need to suffer and try to beat the blues without medical help. I'd suggest Zoloft. Just get yourself to a doctor, get your medication, and get rid of the black cloud over your head. Get well!
   — vitoria

March 9, 2005
The only thing i can say is prozac. I went through depression right after surgery and am still suffering threw it now but prozac has made it a little easier. not to mention it has had a positive affect on my temper as well. but please get help the days do get better. rny postop 2.5 years down 260lbs
   — chirsw